Description
🥗 Creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch, this macaroni salad is the perfect balance of flavors for any gathering! ✨
🍴 Quick to prepare and easy to customize, it’s a refreshing side dish that pairs beautifully with your favorite meals! 😋
Ingredients
Elbow macaroni
Mayonnaise
Vinegar
Sugar
Salt
Black pepper
Mustard
Celery
Red onion
Bell pepper
Pickles
Hard-boiled eggs
Cheese
Pickle juice (optional)
Fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Greek yogurt (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but not mushy.
2. Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, mustard, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
4. Chop and prepare add-ins like celery, red onion, bell pepper, pickles, hard-boiled eggs, and cheese.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the chopped vegetables and mix well.
6. Pour the dressing over the macaroni mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar.
8. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to let flavors meld.
9. Before serving, give the salad a final mix and garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley if desired.
10. Serve chilled as a side dish with grilled meats, sandwiches, or potluck spreads.
Notes
Let the macaroni cool completely before mixing with the dressing to prevent it from absorbing too much moisture and becoming soggy.
Chill the salad for at least 1-2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to blend and create a more balanced taste.
Add a splash of pickle juice or a bit of mustard to the dressing for extra tang and depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Boil and Mix
- Cuisine: American